What we’re about
With warm memories, the Maryland Spyder Web (MSW) Meetup.com site will close, effective June 1, 2023, curtailing organized ride activities indefinitely. This surely comes as no surprise to many, as we have been inactive since late 2019. “Maryland Spyder Web” remains a registered trade name with associated logos, internet domain and branding. The MSW page on Facebook remains, as a moderated forum for regional Spyder enthusiasts. There, folks can organize post their interests, get a ride going, make connections, discuss topics, etc. If ever there is a spark to ignite an MSW re-boot, it will be there.
Founded in August 2010, MSW enjoyed nine and a half wonderful active years of inclusive, safe “Free On Three” riding. As a club, we explored destinations as far south as Maggie Valley, NC and as far north as Lake George, NY, as well as several collaborations with friends out in Ohio and Western PA. With 135 events, including annual meet n’ greets, our New Holland PA rally, countless day rides throughout the mid-Atlantic region and representation at local charitable and general motorcycle events, it was a glorious experience and an honor to found and lead such an organization, not to mention a gargantuan effort. MSW was the first club to put Can Am Spyder riding on the map in Maryland, born of one dude on a 2010 Spyder seeking others to ride with. Our roster at one point grew to over 330.
Since circa 2018, numerous factors, including the recent pandemic, have significantly changed the complexion of group riding and events overall. Large-group dynamics have changed in ways not optimal for MSW. Other clubs more localized to a smaller community, national organizations and sponsored events are still seeing some success and we wish them well. Many Spyder enthusiasts have leveraged social media to establish smaller forums, to say hello, make connections and form 'pods' of riders who can gather spontaneously under less structure. This is why, in addition to MSW’s Facebook page as a forum, we’ll maintain our club email address, ‘info@marylandspyderweb.com.’ You may also reach out via my personal email address if you have it. Yours truly still rides no matter the format, so if within range of Columbia, Maryland, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Perhaps we can pick a nice weekend for a brief small-group excursion. Envision a ride among acquaintances, not a club event.
Finally, while Meetup.com allowed capture of the current member roster on that forum, it did not capture individual email addresses, so once the site goes down, I will have no way of contacting you. While I have many legacy members’ email addresses from offline contact, if you would like to be entered on a mailing list for future MSW limited activities or other matters, please forward me your name, email address and (optional) contact number.
Thanking all who were and will continue to be part of the MSW family, the riders, ride captains, club officers who all helped. Wishing everyone safe travels and wonderful experiences on your Spyder or other life journeys. Free on Three!
Sincerely,
Paul Armstrong
Founder, Maryland Spyder Web